Brian Neff

A Butler High School graduate has been recognized as an excellent instructor, but not in the typical classroom.

Lt. Col. Brian Neff, Butler class of 1995, in December was awarded the U.S. Air Force Outstanding Scientist and Engineering Educator of the Year for 2015.

Neff is the primary subject matter expert and instructor for both electro-optics and electronic warfare at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

After earning the national Air Force award, he accepted a position as the deputy group commander in the 96th Test Group at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. He said his role is to test the electric components in the cockpit that control and monitor the navigation systems, avionics and munitions.

Neff, the son of Larry and Mary Kay Neff of Butler, said his Air Force dreams started at a young age like any other child with aspirations of flying planes.

“When I was younger, I had a passion,” Neff said. “I wanted to fly.”

After graduating from high school, Neff’s eyes were less than perfect, which meant his hopes of piloting would have to remain dreams. But Neff joined the Air Force anyway.

“There are a lot of opportunities there that don’t revolve around flying,” he said.

He said he initially wanted to take advantage of the financial aid offered for college.

In 1999, Neff completed the undergraduate program at University of Pittsburgh in electrical engineering. As he served his commitment to the military, he continued to add degrees to his resume.

Neff reached the pinnacle in his education career by receiving his doctoral degree in philosophy in electrical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology.

But as he progressed in rank and position, he looked at the military more as a career than an opportunity. He began teaching at the test pilot school and received other offers.

“Each time I’ve accepted a new job, I’ve become more and more interested,” Neff said. “Seventeen years later, I’m still on active duty.”

Neff said he has already accepted his next position as squadron commander of the 746 Test Squadron, which he starts in June and will keep him and his family at the New Mexico base.

He noted the award probably gave him more credibility in his skill set.

“It definitely factored into the selection and made me competitive for that (position,)” he said.

He said the new position is a great byproduct of his achievement, but he said he really has his students to thank for their support. He said what the award really told him is that his students respect him.

“To be recognized by my students, it was one of the greatest feelings,” Neff said.